Tulsa Seeks Bowl Eligibility Against Struggling UAB in Season Finale Showdown

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane today in the final game of the regular season. Kickoff is at 3:00 PM EST at Skelly Field in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The game carries significant weight for Tulsa’s fading postseason hopes.

UAB has already been eliminated from bowl contention. Tulsa must win this game to have any chance at reaching the required six-win threshold.

Team Trajectories Head in Opposite Directions

Despite similar records, the two teams enter with different momentum. Tulsa has won its last two games against Oregon State and Army. According to ESPN statistics, those victories have given the Golden Hurricane late-season confidence.

UAB’s season has unraveled with four consecutive losses. The Blazers suffered a 48-18 defeat to South Florida last week. Their defense has been a major liability all season long.

The Golden Hurricane are favored by 8.5 points. Tulsa’s recent form and home-field advantage are key factors. UAB will need a major performance shift to compete.

Quarterback Duel and Ground Game Battle

The quarterback matchup features UAB’s Jalen Kitna against Tulsa’s Baylor Hayes. Kitna has thrown for 2,296 yards this season but struggled with turnovers recently. Hayes has been more efficient, guiding Tulsa’s offense to critical late-season wins.

Tulsa’s offense relies heavily on running back Dominic Richardson. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards this year. His ability to control the clock will be central to Tulsa’s game plan.

UAB’s defense allows nearly 40 points per game. Stopping Richardson and containing Hayes is their immense challenge. If they cannot, Tulsa will control the tempo from the start.

Bowl Eligibility Math and Final Stakes

For UAB, this game is about pride and building for next year. Their bowl eligibility ended two weeks ago. A win would merely close a disappointing season on a positive note.

Tulsa’s situation is more complex. A victory would bring their record to 5-7. Teams with 5-7 records can sometimes receive bowl invitations if there are not enough six-win teams to fill all slots.

Therefore, Tulsa needs a win and then must hope for favorable results elsewhere. It is a slim chance, but it is the only motivation they have left. This makes them dangerous and highly motivated today.

Today’s Tulsa vs UAB game concludes a challenging season for both American Athletic Conference programs. Tulsa fights for a glimmer of postseason hope, while UAB aims to stop a painful losing streak. The Golden Hurricane’s potent ground attack will test the Blazers’ beleaguered defense in what could be a high-scoring finale.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Is UAB bowl eligible after this game?

No, UAB cannot become bowl eligible. Their loss to North Texas on November 15th officially eliminated them from postseason contention, regardless of today’s outcome.

What does Tulsa need for bowl eligibility?

Tulsa must win today to finish 5-7. They would then need NCAA approval based on Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores and a shortage of six-win teams to fill all bowl slots.

Who are the key players to watch?

Watch Tulsa running back Dominic Richardson and UAB quarterback Jalen Kitna. Richardson is the offensive engine for Tulsa. Kitna’s performance will determine if UAB’s offense can keep pace.

How has UAB’s defense performed this season?

UAB’s defense has struggled significantly, allowing an average of 39.5 points per game. This ranks among the worst in the Football Bowl Subdivision and is a primary reason for their losing record.

Where can you watch the game?

The game is scheduled for broadcast on ESPN+. Subscription to that streaming service is required to view the matchup live from Tulsa.